Why Is My VPN Disconnecting? Troubleshooting Guide
Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Editorial
Is your VPN disconnecting from time to time interrupting your online browsing? Well, that could be caused by countless things like network issues, firewall blocks, or throttling by your internet service provider (ISP). This can stop you from accessing the internet, or worse, expose you to cyber threats like hacking.
Frustrating as that may be, there are solutions you can try like changing servers, updating your VPN app, choosing another protocol and more. So, if you’ve been having trouble with your VPN, this guide will show how you can troubleshoot and fix them on your own.
How VPNs Work
A virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure network connection when using the Internet. It provides layers of security when a user connects to online sites and services.
Imagine sending a message through a public space (public Wi-Fi), meaning anyone can read your message. However, when you use a VPN, no one in the public space can see your message unless it’s the recipient.
A VPN masks your device’s correct location and hides your IP address from prying eyes. The message you send is encrypted (scrambled) before traveling through any online site or service and unscrambled by the VPN server. In the end, this keeps your data safe from a public network.
Dangers of Unstable VPN Connections
Unstable VPN connections can expose you in more ways than you can imagine. The following are some of the few things that can go wrong if your VPN keeps disconnecting.
Security Vulnerabilities
Sometimes, you experience frequent drops due to unstable connections. These frequent drops may expose your data to anyone snooping on the network or even leave your information susceptible to hackers using public Wi-Fi. Having a stable connection is critical to maintaining consistent data encryption, and when your connection becomes flaky, you’re making it accessible to anyone snooping around to intercept it.
Privacy Concerns
An unstable VPN connection can expose your actual IP address, leaking information such as browsing habits and location. At the same time, this undermines the whole purpose of exclusivity while using a VPN. A flaky connection can make accessing your online activities easier for services and websites.
Productivity Disruptions
An unstable connection often translates to inconsistent internet speeds and constant buffering that frustrates and disrupts your workflow when downloading files or streaming content. The connection leads to the time-consuming hassle of constantly trying to reconnect to a stable server, impacting your productivity or cutting your online activities short.
Common Reasons for Your VPN Disconnecting
A reliable VPN connection is critical for privacy and online security. However, what happens if your VPN keeps fluctuating, leaving you vulnerable? Some of the most common reasons you have a flaky connection include:
Network Issues
Your network is like a foundation for your house; if that foundation becomes shaky, you can’t have a comfortable home. The network is similar to that house; if your connection is weak, you will have difficulty maintaining a stable connection with your VPN. Also, having too many devices sharing the same network bandwidth can strain your connection, causing the VPN to disconnect.
Restarting Network Devices
Sometimes, we restart our network devices if the connection fluctuates, including switching off and on your router or modem. Switching these network devices on and off can cause temporary glitches, interfering with the VPN connection due to a poor internet connection.
Checking Firewall Settings
Firewalls are essential for online security, protecting your connectivity from security threats. However, firewalls may overzealously prevent VPNs from making connections. Your firewall settings may not allow traffic from a VPN application due to specific rules for its ports.
DNS and IP Address Configurations
Conflicting or incorrect DNS and IP address configurations assigned by the network provider may cause disconnection with the VPN servers. Sometimes, you may use your VPN provider’s recommended DNS settings, leading to fluctuating connections due to conflicts with the device’s IP address.
Server Problems
Even some of the most recommended VPNs can experience fluctuations. However, experiencing these frequent disconnections becomes a major headache. Sometimes, these overloaded servers or the distance from the server causes frequent headaches.
Popular VPN servers become more congested due to their popularity, leading to fluctuating connections, especially during peak usage. At the same time, connecting to a distant server leads to delays and increases the chances of unstable connections.
Switching Servers
Most VPNs offer a range of servers for different locations. However, these servers may also be distant from your real-time location or more congested than your previous one. Many VPNs have a feature known as “smart connect” that helps solve the issues of load and distance by automatically choosing an optimal server for a user. But if this doesn’t work, try to contact VPN provider support.
Contacting VPN Provider Support
Reputable VPN providers offer responsive customer support. Don’t hesitate to contact them and explain the connection problems you’re experiencing. They can suggest alternative solutions or even identify your underlying issue.
VPN Client Configuration Errors
Sometimes, things can go awry, even if you have a stable VPN service, due to several hiccups. These hiccups may include misconfigurations on the VPN client software, outdated VPN client software, or even corrupted VPN client installation. However, you can address these issues through the following means:
Updating VPN Client Software
VPN is just like any other software that needs occasional updates to address security issues and function optimally. Having outdated software leads to connection errors or compatibility issues, especially when you can automatically enable updates for your software. You can constantly manually update the latest version of the VPN from the provider’s website.
Adjusting Connection Settings
VPNs operate with specific settings for a successful connection. These settings may include authentication details, encryption levels, protocols, and server addresses. You must check the correct server address, login credentials, and protocol.
Reinstalling VPN Client
Occasionally, the software becomes corrupted due to conflicts or incomplete updates. Expect connection failures and unexpected errors for your VPN client software. However, you can resolve these issues by reinstalling the VPN client software from the provided instructions or uninstalling the existing software. Alternatively, find the provider’s website and get the latest software version.
ISP Throttling
You might still encounter slow speeds even with proper configuration and a stable connection if your ISP decides to throttle your bandwidth. Your ISP might often slow down your internet connection for specific activities such as streaming or during peak usage. This is throttling. However, consider these options to help your VPN outsmart ISP throttling.
Using Obfuscation Techniques
Different VPNs provide the user with obfuscation techniques to disguise the VPN’s traffic, making it look like just another regular browsing activity to your ISP. The techniques help bypass throttling mechanisms targeting VPN connections.
Changing VPN Protocols
You can change your protocols to divert attention from throttling algorithms. VPNs can change protocols for tunneling and encrypting data. Use options such as L2TP/IPsec or Shadowsocks to be less conspicuous.
Using a Dedicated IP Address
During peak usage times, it is easier for shared VPN servers to become congested. The congestion may even lead to fluctuating speeds, even without interference from ISPs. Consider having a dedicated IP address from your VPN provider to get exclusive access to one IP address. You will experience improved performance and productivity, potentially leading to a less throttled and more stable connection.
Software conflicts
Your VPN can disappoint you even with measures against throttling, proper configuration, and a stable connection. The culprit? Your device’s conflicting software. Your device may have conflicting applications or outdated software that interferes with your VPN client, making your software behave unexpectedly. Consider these solutions:
Disabling Conflicting Applications
Think of any applications in your devices, such as firewalls, security, or antivirus software, that may prevent the functionality of your VPN client. To troubleshoot, temporarily turn off your security software and re-enable it afterward to see if the issue you resolved the issue. If this doesn’t help pinpoint the conflicting program, try updating or reinstalling contradictory software.
Updating or Reinstalling Conflicting Software
Outdated software primarily causes compatibility issues, especially if you have an updated antivirus program or security software you suspect might be incompatible with the VPN. Consider reinstalling the incompatible software if updates don’t solve the issue. There might be configuration issues causing this conflict, and reinstallations could potentially fix corrupted files. However, this can be time-consuming, and you can only attempt after exhausting all other options.
How to Fix VPN Disconnecting Issues
While troubleshooting can help fix VPN issues, it is better to be safe than sorry. Take some preventive measures to help reduce the chances of reencountering the same problem. Some of the key strategies to ensure a secure and smooth VPN experience include:
Regular Software Updates
Create a routine to update relevant software applications, such as your operating system and VPN client software. These updates often consider compatibility issues and security risks that could affect your VPN connection. Enable automatic updates or regularly check your provider’s site for updates.
Using a Reliable VPN Provider
Choose a reputable VPN provider with a solid track record. The provider should prioritize user experience, invest in better infrastructure, and offer different server locations. Look for providers known for responsive customer support, encryption practices, and stable connections.
Choosing the Right VPN Protocol
Choose a VPN that better suits your needs, from encrypting your data to offering a better balance of security and speed. Other VPNs prioritize one aspect over the other. Experiment with different VPN protocols to find one best suited to your needs.
Configuring VPN Kill Switch
The VPN kill switch is a crucial security feature. Think of it as a safety net that immediately cuts access to your data if your internet connection gets disrupted or the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. It means your data is kept from being exposed, even briefly, ensuring optimal security.
Monitoring VPN Connection Status
Most VPN clients offer a dashboard or a status bar to display information about the connection. Be familiar with the user interface and monitor your VPN connection status frequently. You can identify drops or fluctuations early on and take the necessary measures.
Conclusion
In the current digital world, secure yourself with a stable VPN connection to protect your online privacy and security. This article explored why you should maintain a reliable VPN connection and some challenges you may experience.
The article delved into the adverse effects of unstable connections and common causes for these VPN disconnections. We provided solutions for each and explored strategies you can use to outsmart ISP throttling to maintain good speeds. Finally, we emphasized the need to take preventive measures to keep disconnection issues minimal.
